California Eggs Benedict
A bright, West Coast twist on the classic brunch dish. Toasted English muffins topped with creamy sliced avocado, fresh tomato, perfectly poached eggs, and a velvety homemade hollandaise sauce. It's lighter, fresher, and bursting with sunny California flavor.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~2 min
Make the hollandaise sauce.
1.In a blender, combine 3 egg yolks, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and a pinch of salt.2.Blend on medium speed for 15 seconds until the mixture lightens in color.3.With the blender running, very slowly drizzle in the warm melted butter until the sauce is thick and emulsified.4.Taste and add an extra pinch of black pepper. Leave the sauce in the blender to keep warm. - prep · ~3 min
Prep the avocado and tomato.
1.Halve and pit the ripe avocados; slice each half into 5-6 thin slices.2.Slice the large tomato into 8 even rounds.TIPA ripe avocado yields slightly to gentle pressure. If it's too firm, it won't have that creamy texture. - steam · ~10 min
Poach the eggs.
1.Fill a saucepan with a few inches of water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat — small bubbles, not a rolling boil.2.Crack one egg into a small ramekin. Stir the water to create a gentle vortex and carefully slide the egg into the center.3.Cook for 3 minutes for a runny yolk, 4 minutes for a firmer set. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.4.Repeat with the remaining 7 eggs in batches to not overcrowd the pan.TIPA splash of vinegar in the water helps the egg white set, but it's not essential for fresh eggs. - fry · ~3 min
Toast the English muffins.
1.Split the 4 English muffins with a fork — never slice with a knife, which ruins the craggy texture.2.Toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat, cut-side down, until golden brown and crisp, about 2-3 minutes.TIPToasting in a skillet instead of a pop-up toaster gives you a crisp exterior and the interior stays soft and warm. - assemble · ~3 min
Assemble the California Eggs Benedict.
1.Place 2 toasted muffin halves on each plate.2.Top each half with 2-3 slices of avocado and 1 slice of tomato.3.Carefully set one poached egg on top of the tomato on each muffin half.4.Spoon warm hollandaise sauce generously over each egg.5.Sprinkle with chopped chives and a final crack of black pepper.TIPIf the hollandaise has thickened in the blender, pulse in a teaspoon of warm water to loosen it back up just before serving. - serve
Serve immediately while everything is hot.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use the freshest eggs possible for poaching; fresh whites hold together better and create a neater shape.
- 2Warm your serving plates in a low oven so the assembled Benedict stays hot longer.
- 3To test hollandaise doneness: the sauce should coat the back of a spoon and hold a line when you draw a finger through it.
- 4If poaching multiple eggs, keep finished ones in a bowl of warm water (not hot) to hold until assembly.
- 5Slice avocado just before assembling to prevent browning; a squeeze of lemon on the slices helps too.
- 6For perfectly round poached eggs, trim any ragged whites with kitchen shears after cooking.
Adapt it for your goals.
Smoked salmon
Replace the tomato slices with thin slices of smoked salmon for a classic lox-style California Benedict.
vegetarianVegetarian
Swap the English muffins for thick slices of sourdough or gluten-free bread for a heartier, more textured base.
spicySpicy
Add a few slices of pickled jalapeño or a drizzle of sriracha over the hollandaise for a kick of heat.
low carbLow-carb
Replace English muffins with thick slices of roasted portobello mushroom caps for a keto-friendly version.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Healthy Fats
Avocado provides monounsaturated fats that support heart health and help absorb fat-soluble vitamins from the other ingredients.
High-Quality Protein
Eggs deliver complete protein with all essential amino acids, important for muscle repair and satiety.
Good Source of Vitamin C
Fresh tomatoes and lemon juice contribute vitamin C, which supports immune function and collagen production.
Contains Antioxidants
Avocado and tomato are rich in lutein and lycopene, antioxidants that promote eye and heart health.
Frequently asked questions
You can, but homemade hollandaise is far fresher and silkier. If using store-bought, gently warm it in a double boiler and stir in a squeeze of lemon to brighten the flavor.
